National Dance Institute (NDI) New Mexico will be conducting its Residency Dance Program for more than 100 Magdalena Elementary School students in grades 1-5. The program, which runs April 3-6, will culminate in a live performance of “Forests of New Mexico!” at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, at Magdalena Elementary School. The performance is open to families, friends and community members.

The Residency Dance Program offers NDI New Mexico’s highly effective teaching methodology that incorporates dance instruction with live musical accompaniment, and emphasizes social-emotional skills such as teamwork, self-confidence and self-discipline that are so critical to children’s long-term development.

The live performances will feature the children that participated in the Residency Dance Program, as well as students participating in NDI New Mexico’s Tiny Tots program.

“NDI New Mexico is excited and honored to celebrate our 26th year of partnership with the families, educators, and community members of Magdalena,” said Jackie Burns, NDI New Mexico’s Director of Outreach Programs. “We encourage everyone to join us and experience the students’ hard work, energy, and talent on display in this year’s show.”

NDI New Mexico’s residency programs bring the NDI New Mexico experiences of music and dance to children in 15 rural and urban communities across the state of New Mexico. The program provides a certified NDI instructor and pianist to teach dance as part of each school’s curriculum for children ages 5-13.

Magdalena Elementary School is located at 201 Duggins Dr., Magdalena, N.M. 87825

NDI New Mexico was founded in 1994 with the knowledge that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate children. The purpose of its distinctive programs is to help children develop discipline, a standard of excellence, and a belief in themselves that will carry over into all aspects of their lives.

Chieftain Staff Report